Month: March, 2010
Some of you may remember me mentioning that I was working on some charity work for a really fabulous non-profit organization in Oregon a few months ago- Mid Valley Mentors. I put together a shoot of young adults in order to provide them with compelling images to use for their advertising and overall promotion. In addition, a couple of archived images were requested and provided. My niece, Melanie, was one of the models in this project- and, in fact, was the person who caught the director’s eye in the first place! The images I sent were meant to be a bit dramatic- to grab attention of viewers and get them to ACT. If you have ever considered mentoring or donating to their organizations, please do!
Here is the link to a video brochure that Mid Valley Mentors non profit organization just released on youtube.com Several of my images appear in the beginning and end of it. (Please scroll down to bottom of my Blog to turn OFF music before listening, thanks! )
Also, Ms. Melanie came along on my urban kids shoot the other day and I did have a chance to grab a few quick updated shots of her wearing some cute accessories. Check them out:
Stay tuned for some GREAT upcoming Spring sessions and awesome promotions!!! I can’t wait for April. 
Urban Kids (Northville, MI Child Photographer)
March 26, 2010 Kids
A really fun place to take photos of children is in “urban” locations. I have several sessions scheduled for the Spring which I will be using urban settings for and am looking quite forward to it. There is so much mood, attitude, color, texture, and personality to be had!!! Check out cute little Johnny (sporting a new hat + tie ! ) from our session the other day:
We had such a fabulous time!!! I mean, how could you NOT in a spot like this?? I am a nature lover, but I just don’t think it gets much cuter.
And here are a couple artsy ones of him wearning outfit #2
If you would like to schedule a unique Urban Kids session for YOUR child, send me a note! I would love to work with you. Oh, and don’t worry… my “urban” locations are really in the suburbs, lol. SAFE and full of character.
Have a great day everyone! And…. Happy Birthday to my sister, Diana. Love you!
Facebook Fan “Contest Winner”…..
March 25, 2010 Fantasy (Fairy, etc...), Kids, Special Promotions
I am as much an artist (if not more) as I am a photographer… which is what I think makes my work unique. Not all photographers are artists. It is really important to me that I create images that are works of art and not just standard snapshots of 1 year olds and wedding party groups. Yes, I do LOVE all of the photo taking…. however, I MUST do the artsy stuff, too. In fact, I am working on adding a larger section to my website that is dedicated to displaying my own artistic work and willingness to help others create the same with affordable retouching lessons via email and hands on workshops/mentoring. Keep an eye out for it- its coming very soon.
Recently my Facebook Photography Page reached the 1500+ fan mark. To celebrate, I asked my Fans what sort of image they would like me to create! It was open for 2 days and anyone was able to contribute suggestions. The winner received: bragging rights? 
plus an 11X14 copy of the print, if desired. I do not print and sell my own personal art work yet so this is rare for me. There were SO many fun and great ideas but ultimately I went with the very talented: Amy Hopp and her suggestion of: An angel…
Here is my “angel” work below…. there are 2 images in the series, winner may select one:
I took and edited these images this evening. A big thanks to all who participated in the contest. I love and am inspired by so much of YOUR work !!!
Oh.. and if you are reading this as a Parent who really wants images like this of your kid(s)- send me a note! I would love to book a Fantasy session with you. And, if you are a photographer looking at this image who wonders how to create it, sign up for a lesson today! I have 2 spots open next month.
I just wanted to take a minute to let all of you readers know that I am having a mini-workshop for the first time ever and that the date on it is fastly approaching. It will be held on location in SE Michigan and will last for 2 days: April 30 + May 1st. There are a couple of spots still open! Please see the Lesson and Workshop area on right here on my Blog for more information. I would love to see you there.
Also… I have added a NEW 1-day workshop for Tuesday, June 1st. The theme will be “Fantasy” using a watery woodsy location with a mermaid and/or fairy model(s) and stylists. It will be soooo much fun.
If you would like to sign up- don’t wait!! Spots are limited…. send a note today to hold yours. 
A few months ago I won first place in the Black & White category over at one of the Photography contest sites I belong to, Digital Image Cafe. As a prize they sent me a Lensbaby Muse, which is valued at just over $100. A lensbaby is a lens that a photographer can use to manually make creative effects with, like blur and soft focus, for any given image. This is achieved by bending and squeezing a tube which moves the sweet spot. So, today I played around with mine for the first time. My cat, Tigger, was close by and became my first victim. lol.
Besides a crop and sharpen, here are some straight out of the camera shots from my first try, natural window light…
I still have a ways to go! It is harder than it looks, lol, but I like learning new things. Keeping his eyes in focus was quite challenging for me. I will be happy to try it on small details and large scenes… where more of the blur shows. It was a lot of fun, though. If you don’t own one, I would suggest getting one! You can visit Lensbaby site to see more cool image samples or to order one by clicking here.
